Fitting 500 trains and locomotives in Spain
Since 1982, Funkwerk Systems GmbH in Kölleda - as a specialist for voice and data communication via analog and digital mobile radio networks - has been developing and producing train radio technology for railroad companies worldwide: communication systems for installation in rail vehicles, mobile devices and handhelds. By integrating pioneering technologies and taking into account the latest standards such as FRMCS, Funkwerk creates radio systems that offer both investment security and meet the requirements of the future thanks to their modularity.
Funkwerk was already awarded several major tenders in Spain at the end of 2023 to retrofit over 500 passenger trains and locomotives with GSM-R train radio systems. In future, the vehicles will be equipped with Funkwerk's Europe-wide leading train radio systems in a rail network covering over 12,000 km, which will be gradually converted from mostly analog to digital train radio. Until now, Spanish train drivers throughout the country have largely been communicating with outdated analog communication technology.
Renfe, as the state-owned and largest railroad operator, plays a central role in the Spanish transport system and serves both local and long-distance traffic. With the introduction and expansion of the Spanish high-speed network, Renfe has significantly shortened travel times between major cities and positioned rail transport as an attractive alternative to road and air transport. Renfe also promotes freight transport by rail, which helps to relieve road infrastructure and reduce CO₂ emissions. This made it necessary to upgrade the train radio systems, as GSM-R, unlike analog train radio, is compatible with the requirements of modern rail control systems such as ETCS (European Train Control System). In addition, a digital infrastructure is more efficient and supports future expansions, e.g. for automated train operation.
GSM-R offers better voice and data quality, increased safety, more functionalities and seamless interoperability for international train traffic compared to analog train radio. Today, GSM-R is the basis for modern rail communication throughout Europe and, in addition to facilitating cross-border rail operations, is crucial for the digitalization and automation of rail systems.
Funkwerk's dual-mode systems can be operated in GSM-R digital radio as well as in analogue mode and thus support Renfe in a seamless transition to modern digital rail communication. Due to their modular expandability, the train radio systems also play an important role for the future railroad radio standard FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System), as existing systems can also be easily upgraded to the new standard and thus also represent a long-term investment protection for Renfe.
The delivery and installation of the Funkwerk systems began in 2024, the project has a duration of three years. The challenge of this project is to provide all services on time to enable the vehicles to operate in the newly rolled-out Spanish GSM-R radio network. The scope of the contract includes not only the development, approval, delivery, installation and commissioning of the systems, but also all preparations for approval as a subsystem.
In addition to retrofitting the existing vehicle fleet in Spain, Funkwerk is supplying train radio systems for around 400 new vehicles that several vehicle manufacturers are supplying to Spain or that are manufactured in Spain. The Spanish market is gaining strategic importance for Funkwerk as a result of these projects. At the same time, there is still a need to replace old analog radio systems with modern Funkwerk solutions. With this order, Funkwerk is evolving from a system supplier to a system integrator and is strengthening its position as a central provider of future-proof train radio systems in Spain. In addition, our company is consolidating its leading role in the European rail market and continuing to drive forward the digitalization of communication, control and monitoring systems in the rail sector.
